The Western States Scientific Safety Review Workgroup reviewed and concluded that Johnson & Johnson’s (J&J) single-dose COVID-19 vaccine is safe and effective.

As it did with the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines, The Western States Workgroup conducted its own review of the J&J vaccine, independent from the FDA, deeming it safe for use in California, Washington, Oregon and Nevada.

“With the authorization of the single-shot Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine, we now have three remarkable vaccines that offer 100 percent protection from death and hospitalizations,” Gov. Gavin Newsom said in a statement. “We have administered 9.5 million vaccines in California thus far, and we’re building a system that will allow us to vaccinate people as quickly as supply becomes available. There is truly light at the end of the tunnel.”

In its findings, the workgroup said the J&J vaccine would  “lead to reduced severe and critical COVID-19 illnesses and hospitalizations.” The workgroup also said it assessed the FDA and CDC’s reviews of the vaccine and felt that both were “transparent and objective.”

After the FDA approved the emergency use of J&J’s one-shot vaccine, Newsom said California would receive 380,000 doses this week. With the workgroup’s approval, California can now move forward with the vaccine allocation process.

As of this writing, the state of California has vaccinated more than 9 million people, with more than 50 percent of people 65 and older receiving at least a first dose of Pfizer or Moderna’s vaccine.

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